Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The Old Town Bistro and Galería Vallarta are hosting an art exposition on February 21 to benefit CANICA, a support center for children with cancer. The featured artist is Pat Haley, who will be donating 10% of his sales for the treatment of these precious children.

Pat Haley's paintings depict the folkloric aspect of Mexican life. The Mexican people, culture, colors, and zest for life are a strong influence on his paintings. The subject matter is developed while experiencing daily life, walking through the streets, riding the buses, attending events, or just sitting in the plazas. Using his camera's eye, he selects and captures an array of elements that are later refined, extracted, amplified or combined into a composite to become the focus of his final paintings. One of Haley's favorite themes is the Charreada, or Mexican rodeo, and he attends many events to capture the excitement of the charros performing on their beautiful horses. Pat says he sees art as a reflection of life. He has been a resident of Puerto Vallarta since 1995 and has worked as an art teacher, illustrator, photographer and graphic designer, but now devotes his time to painting. He currently exhibits his art at Galería Vallarta, Guerrero 187, downtown.

In 1970 a group of women founded the first civil welfare association in Puerto Vallarta - the Asociación Femenil Vallartense. The aims were pursuing community service in all its aspects - social, civic and cultural - and working with municipal, state and federal programs to improve the living standards of the community.

Currently their main program is providing comprehensive care for Puerto Vallarta children with cancer and their families through a Civil Partnership with CANICA - Support Center for Children with Cancer AC, which is located in Guadalajara with a local chapter in Puerto Vallarta. There are currently 19 children in Vallarta needing aid for their treatment, and CANICA offers tax-deductible receipts for donations. More information about the organization can be found at canicapvr.wordpress.com.

You are cordially invited to this free event on Friday, February 21, from 6-9 pm at the Old Town Bistro, Basilio Badillo 180. We hope you will enjoy viewing and being touched by Pat Haley's artworks and purchase some of his paintings to help Vallarta children with cancer.